ORIENTEERING: Octavian Droobers

MUDDY TRIUMPHS FOR DROOBERS AT LICKEY HILLS

Nearly 70 club members turned out to compete in the first of the West Midlands Orienteering League events on Sunday at Lickey Hills, organised by City of Birmingham Orienteering Club. The tough, steep and very slippery conditions underfoot through the woods led naturally to longer times to circumnavigate the various courses and some retirees.

Stars from the junior section included young Max Straube-Roth M10 who won the White Short 1.225km course in 23.55mins, a 4th place for Josie Smart W12 on the Yellow 1.675km with 80 metres of climb taking 34.40mins, a win for Cameron Williams-Stein M14 on the Orange 2.4km course in 41.39mins and 3rd in 50mins for Florence Lunn W12 on the same course. A great win for Oliver Flippance M14 on the Light Green 2.95km course taking 37.53minutes, 10 minutes ahead of nearest rival.

Matthew Elkington M21 won the Blue 6.25km course in 52.30mins, Kin Kwan Kwok M21 was 4th on the longest course 7.725km with 290metres of climb taking 81.15mins, Kirsten Strain W21 was top woman on the same course coming 5th overall in 83.05mins. Peter Carey M70 was 3rd on the Short Green 3.15km course with 110 metres of climb, taking 45.48mins. On the Green 4.125km course with 170 metres of climb Bruce Bryant M55 was 2nd in 52.47mins and juniors Oliver Lunn M14 4th in 54.49mins and Felix Lunn M14 5th in 54.51mins.

Next events

The next local event will be held at Kingsbury Water Park on Saturday (January 16) with starts from 10.30am – 12noon. Courses, from 1 – 5km, are planned for beginners as well as experienced orienteers. The club extends an invitation to walkers and runners of all ages, 5 – 85 years, to try out this fun outdoor adventure navigation sport. Help is available to all newcomers. A large scale map and electronic timers are provided; bring a compass if you have one. To find out more see website www.octavian-droobers.org or call (01926) 632189.